Rescuers check on a fox that was reported floating on a breakway dock in Barnegat Bay, Jan. 2025. (Photo: Seaside Park Fire Department)
It began with what was worded like an average – but unique – lost-and-found message. An island resident’s jet-ski dock had broken off the bulkhead behind his home and floated into the bay. Wedged in ice, he asked if someone would notify him if it eventually washed up in their yard. Oh, one more thing: there’s a fox who’s been hitching a ride on the dock, which is now in the middle of the bay.
Photos were provided, and the fox was seen walking along the dock and the sheet of ice surrounding it. This propelled the local social media pages into a frenzy, with people calling for the U.S. Coast Guard to send a helicopter to rescue the fox. Calls were made to other law enforcement agencies as well, and the Seaside Park and Seaside Heights fire companies eventually decided to look into the call.
“A team of rescue swimmers from both Stations 45 and 44 launched two jet skis and a boat from the bay front in an attempt to rescue the fox,” the Seaside Park Fire Department said in a statement. “Conditions in the middle of the bay are extremely dangerous, the ice from the bay front broke free and is shifting towards the mainland. Additionally there are strong currents under the ice and the ice cannot support the weight of a rescuer.”
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Rescuers check on a fox that was reported floating on a breakway dock in Barnegat Bay, Jan. 2025. (Photo: Seaside Park Fire Department)
As it turned out, upon closer inspection, the firefighters discovered that the fox did not seem to trapped at all.
“The jet-ski dock is not floating in the bay. It is approximately 50 yards onto the ice and the fox is not staying on it,” the statemetn said. “The fox took off running every time rescuers got close to it.”
With confirmation that the fox can navigate his way around the icy obstacles of Barnegat Bay, the concern of firefighters shifted from the fox itself to the safety of some groups of social media users who appeared to be planning their own rescue operations.
“We have been made aware of several groups from around the tri-state area that are organizing resources in attempt to rescue the fox,” the statement said. “Conditions on the bay are extremely dangerous. Anyone not properly equipped who fell into the water would quickly succumb to hypothermia and potentially drown. We are urging the public to stay out of the bay and off the ice.”
Rescuers check on a fox that was reported floating on a breakway dock in Barnegat Bay, Jan. 2025. (Photo: Seaside Park Fire Department)
The department said entering the ice on the salt-water bay, known for its tidal swings and wind-driven currents, would put many people at risk.
“Failing to [stay off the ice] will most likely result in you becoming a victim, requiring our team to risk serious personal injury in attempting to rescue you,” the department said.
For now, the fox looks to be enjoying his time in a winter wonderland, and a resident is down one jet-ski port. But most importantly, no one has been injured.
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